Elliott surprise inclusion in New Zealand Test team

South African-born Grant Elliott was the surprise inclusion in the New Zealand cricket team named Saturday for the first Test against England starting in Hamilton on Wednesday.

Elliott, a middle-order batsman who can also swing the ball when he bowls, has previously played for New Zealand A.

Jamie How and Ross Taylor who both performed credibly in the recent one-day series against England have been recalled to the 13-man squad after missing the cut for the Test series against Bangladesh earlier in the year.

Peter Fulton, Michael Mason and Jesse Ryder were not considered because of injury.